Malta and gozo at a glance. Malta and gozo at a glance Malta natural conditions and resources

The content of the article

MALTA, Republic of Malta, Island state in the Mediterranean Sea, 95 km from Sicily and 290 km from Tunisia. Area 316 sq. km. It consists of the islands of Malta (246 sq. Km), Gozo (67 sq. Km) and Comino (2.6 sq. Km), separated by deep straits. The capital is the city of Valletta on the northern coast of Malta. Valletta is home to 9.3 thousand people, in the adjacent cities: Birkirkara - 21.2 thousand, Kormi - 17.7 thousand, Mosta - 16.7 thousand. In fact, they all merged into a single agglomeration. From 1814 Malta was a British colony until independence in 1964. In 1974 the Republic of Malta was proclaimed. The country occupies an important strategic position between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal.

Nature.

The Maltese Islands are composed of limestone with thin layers of clay and sandstone. Relatively soft light-brown globigerin limestones are easily weathering, and fertile soils are formed on them, which are widely used in agriculture. The older dense coral limestones have typical reddish soils that are difficult to cultivate or not at all suitable for farming. Most of the country is dominated by flat relief. Only in the northwestern part of Malta Island, as a result of tectonic movements along the faults, there was a differentiation of uplifted limestone blocks with steep slopes and depressions filled with loose deposits. Highest heights(up to 253 m) are located near the southern coast of the island. Accordingly, many rivers flow from south to north, their valleys in the upper parts are deeply cut into the relief. Rivers often dry up in summer. There are many convenient harbors on the island of Malta, the best ones are near the city of Valletta. South coast the islands are steep lined.

Summer in Malta is hot and dry average temperature August 25 ° C. Winters are mild, humid, the average January temperature is 12 ° C. In summer, sultry winds from the Sahara - sirocco - often blow. June and August Agriculture highly dependent on irrigation. The average annual precipitation is 500 mm, most of which falls in September and May, at which time agricultural work is intensified. There are strong fluctuations in the long-term course of precipitation, and in dry years it is necessary to limit water use.

Population.

In 2003, there were 400.4 thousand people living in Malta. human. In the 19th century. emigration from Malta has taken on significant proportions. The main flows of emigrants were directed to the countries of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and after World War I mainly to Australia, but also to Great Britain, Canada and the United States. After 1945, declining birth rates and high rates of emigration (about 1% of the population per year) held back population growth, and since the beginning of the 1960s the population has been declining. In 2003, the birth rate was 12.75 per 1000 inhabitants, and the death rate was 7.8 deaths per 1000 inhabitants. Life expectancy for men is 75.94 years, and for women - 81.14 years.

The majority of the population is concentrated in the urban metropolitan area of ​​Valletta, adjacent to the harbors of Marsamshett and Grand Harbor. Rural settlements appeared mainly in the Middle Ages, and some of them have more than 8 thousand inhabitants. Many residents of these settlements are engaged in agriculture, a significant part of them work in cities. Maltese villages traditionally celebrate the days of their patrons - saints Roman Catholic Church... In June, the whole country celebrates the harvest day (Imaria). The whole country celebrates September 8 - the day of the victory of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565 and in the Second World War (this holiday is called Regatta). The biggest holiday in Malta takes place in mid-February with a three-day carnival.

The official languages ​​are English and Maltese. In everyday life, the islanders use the Maltese language, similar to Arabic, with borrowings from the Romance and English languages. In this language, legal proceedings are conducted. Literature in Maltese is poor. Education is given mainly in English language... Many educated people also speak Italian.

Malta is dominated by the Roman Catholic Church. More than 360 churches and chapels have been erected in the country, many of them are remarkable architectural monuments. Deeply religious people, the Maltese often hold religious festivals with fireworks and brass bands.

In the past, the church has provided big influence on politics. For example, until 1969 she criticized the activities of the Maltese Labor Party. Since 1974, the church no longer participates in political activities, but retains a strong influence in the education system.

State system and politics.

In 1964-1974 Malta was a parliamentary monarchy, part of the British Commonwealth; the head of state was the British monarch, represented by the governor-general. The new constitution proclaimed Malta a republic on 13 December 1974. The last changes to the constitution were made in 1987.

The head of state is the president, who is elected by parliament for a five-year term. The first president of the country in 1974-1976 was the former Governor General Anthony Mamo. Laborites Anton Buttidzic and Agatha Barbara served as president from 1976-1982 and 1982-1987. He then moved on to politicians from the Nationalist Party of Malta (NPM) - Paul Schvereb (1987-1989), Chentz Tabone (1989-1994) and Hugo Mifsud Bonnici (1994-1999). Since 4 April 1999 the President of Malta is a member of the NPM Guido De Marco. De Marco was born in 1931 and worked as a lawyer and professor of criminal law at the University of Malta. From 1966 he was a member of parliament from the NPM, in 1972-1977, the general secretary of the party. In 1987, De Marco became Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for internal affairs and justice, in 1990–1996 and 1998–1999, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Legislative power in the republic belongs to a unicameral parliament - the House of Representatives. It consists of 65 deputies, elected for a term of five years. Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the prime minister. The government is formed by the political party with the majority of the seats in parliament. Since September 1998 the Prime Minister is Eduard Fenech Adami. E. Fenek Adami was born in 1934, studied law, worked as a lawyer. In 1961 he joined the NPM, was the chief editor of the party organ - the newspaper "Il Poplu", in 1969 he was first elected to parliament. In 1975 he became Deputy Secretary General of the NPM. In 1981-1987 and 1996-1998, the leader of the opposition; in 1987-1996 he headed the government of Malta.

Political parties.

National Party of Malta (NPM) - created in 1926 on the basis of the Maltese Political Union and the National Democratic Party. At the present time it is a party of Christian-democratic persuasion. In the field of economics, he stands for a "free market economy", the development of private property and foreign investment, and for limiting state intervention in the economy. In foreign policy, he focuses on the countries of the West and the European Union. In the period after World War II, it was in power in 1950-1955, 1962-1971, 1987-1996 and since 1998. In the parliamentary elections in April 2003, the NPM won 51.8% of the vote and won 34 of 65 seats in the House of Representatives.

Malta Labor Party (LPM) - Social Democratic, formed in 1920, is a member of the Socialist International. Traditionally, she advocated strengthening the public sector in the economy, expanding the system of social security, health care and education. In foreign policy, he defends the neutrality and non-alignment of Malta. LPM was in power in 1947-1949, 1955-1958, 1971-1987 and 1996-1998. In the 2003 parliamentary elections she collected 47.5% of the vote and has 31 seats in the House of Representatives.

Democratic Alternative (YES) - a political organization uniting left-wing circles and activists of the environmental movement. It was formed in 1991, including the Democratic Pariah, the Greens, and others. In the 2003 parliamentary elections, it received 0.7% of the vote. Not represented in parliament.

Economy.

During the reign of the Knights of the Order of the Ioannites (1530-1798) and Great Britain (1800-1964), the standard of living in general was significantly higher than in neighboring countries... The increased attention to military facilities did not hinder the development of other sectors of the economy. These tendencies, however, were restrained due to the limited natural resources and the narrowness of the domestic market. After World War II, the conditions for a more diversified economy emerged in Malta. In 1957, the British began to dismantle their military base in Malta.

Largely thanks to British economic assistance, Malta was able to adapt to the new conditions. Since 1959, plans for the development of tourism, light industry and trade began to be implemented. The importance of tourism for Malta has increased with the rise in the wealth of the countries Western Europe and the demand for holidays in the Mediterranean. In the mid-1990s, more than 1.2 million tourists visited Malta annually. Many of them arrived at cruise ships who stayed at the port of Valletta - Grand Harbor.

Malta has proven to be attractive to host new industrial sectors specializing in vehicle assembly, textiles, clothing, paper products and furniture, as well as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Many of the new businesses are located in the cities of Birkirkara, Qormi, Mosta and others in the Valletta metropolitan area. Their population has grown rapidly over the past 20 years. Malta has provided investors with tax breaks and financing on favorable terms.

In the country's economy important place occupy historically established industries - shipbuilding and ship repair, which have qualified workers.

Agriculture plays a small role in the country's economy and is still managed in traditional ways. The area of ​​cultivated land has decreased primarily due to the alienation of the least productive lands. The main agricultural products of Malta are wheat, barley and fodder crops; potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables; various fruits; flowers and seeds.

Malta's leading trading partners are Italy, Germany, UK, USA and Libya. The main imports are engineering products, foodstuffs, energy and chemical products. Mechanical engineering products and transport equipment account for about half of the country's export revenues. Malta has a persistent trade deficit. In 2001, import costs were $ 2.8 billion, while only $ 2 billion was earned from exports. Tourism income of $ 587 million in 1995 made it possible to partially cover this deficit.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2002 was estimated at $ 6,818 billion, or per capita - $ 17,200.

The monetary unit is the Maltese lira (another name is the Maltese pound). The main sources of government revenue are customs duties, excise and income taxes, and EEC aid.

Education

in Malta it is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. About 2/3 of the country's private schools are controlled by the Roman Catholic Church, and they are also free. Almost 6.4 thousand students studied at the Royal University of Malta (founded in 1592) in 1996.

History.

It is assumed that in 5 thousand BC. Malta was inhabited by Neolithic tribes from Sicily. At the end of the Neolithic era and the Eneolithic period, the archipelago became the center of a highly developed and still mysterious civilization, which left numerous monuments and structures on it. The most famous of these is the Hypogeum Temple at Hal Saflieni, built between 3200 and 2900 BC. During its excavations, archaeologists found the remains of 6 thousand people, buried along with various ritual objects. On the islands of Malta and Gozo there have been preserved majestic megalithic temples - the stone sanctuaries of Khal-Tarshien, Hajnar-Kim, Mnajdra, Mjarr, Jgantiya and others. The population was engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry and weaving. About 2 thousand years BC this culture suddenly came to an end. The subsequent Bronze Age was accompanied by a dramatic and significant change in the way of life of the ancient Maltese.

In the 8th century. BC. Phoenician colonists settled on the islands, whom Malta attracted by convenient harbors and strategically advantageous position in heart Mediterranean Sea... It is assumed that the very name Malta comes from the Phoenician word "Malat" - harbor. The Phoenicians surrounded the city of Mdina with a wall - ancient capital Malta. The ancient Greeks also settled on the islands. In the 6th century BC. Malta came under the rule of Carthage, which held out for almost three hundred years. A column dedicated to the god Melkart has survived from this time.

The Carthaginians turned the islands into an important naval base from where they could threaten Italy. In 257 BC. the Roman general Attila Regulus captured Malta, but could not hold it. Only in 218 BC, during the Second Punic War, the Roman Empire managed to expel the Carthaginians and gain a foothold on the islands. Remnants of villas with mosaic floors, baths, huge catacombs and others still remind of their stay here. historical monuments... Cicero and Livy described Mdina as a city with beautiful buildings and high level life. Under the Romans, Malta was a center for the production of luxury goods. In addition, wheat and plums were grown on the islands; there was a textile industry.

In Roman times, Christianity spread to the Maltese Islands. According to legend, it was introduced by the Apostle Paul, who was shipwrecked here on the way to Rome in 60 AD. He spent three months in Malta, healed the father of the ruler Publius, founded a Christian community and appointed Publius as the first bishop.

After the partition of the Roman Empire, Malta became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). In 870 the Arabs conquered the archipelago, who had a great influence on the economy, culture and language of the population. They introduced an irrigation system, significantly increasing soil fertility. Under them, Islam was established in Malta. In 1090 the islands were conquered by the Normans and became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. This meant the restoration of ties with Europe, the development of the economy and the return of Christianity. In the 13th century. the last Muslims were evicted from the islands.

Together with Sicily, Malta was ruled by the Spaniards in 1282. In the 12-15 centuries. the island flourished; its inhabitants grazed cattle, grew wheat, cotton and caraway seeds, which were exported to European countries. Crafts developed, craftsmen's workshops arose. Malta remained a commercial center and port of international importance.

However, in the 15th century, at the height of wars between European states and the Muslim dynasties of North Africa, Malta became the target of devastating pirate raids. Trade stopped, the economy of the island decayed. This changed when Malta was turned into a Christian outpost against Turkish expansion in the Mediterranean.

In 1530 Spanish king Charles V handed over Malta to the Order of the Johannites, which has since become known as the Order of Malta. The Turks attacked her several times. After the raid in 1551, the Knights of Malta began to actively strengthen the islands, and construction work contributed to the revival of the country's economy. In 1565, with the support of Spanish troops from Sicily, the order managed to repel the invasion of the 40,000-strong Turkish army and fleet of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In battles that lasted four months, 250 of the 600 knights and thousands of Maltese who defended the island died.

In 1566, the Grand Master of the Order, Jean le la Valette, laid new town- Valletta, who possessed magnificent harbors with a convenient port and turned into shopping center Mediterranean. The city was a fortress, with most of the fortifications (Fort San Elmo) carved into the rocks. In 1571 Valletta became the capital of Malta, and by 1674 there were already 12 thousand people living in it. It was a wealthy, prosperous city, adorned with magnificent temples and Baroque houses. On the island of Malta, shipbuilding and ship repair began to develop rapidly, the production of sails and ropes, the processing of metals and wood were established. The proceeds from the property of the order from all over Europe flowed to Malta, and the Knights of Malta, alien to the local population, indulged in luxury. They did not disdain the slave trade either.

The total population of the archipelago from 1530 to 1798 increased from 20 thousand to 100 thousand people. But by the 18th century. The Order of Malta began to lose its significance. The island's economy began to decline. A plague epidemic inflicted heavy damage in 1676. Conflicts between the order and the local Catholic Church intensified, and in 1755 part of the clergy, with the support of the inhabitants, rebelled against the despotism of the grand masters.

In 1798, on its way to Egypt, a French fleet with Napoleon's army approached Malta. Grand Master Gompesh surrendered the island in June without resistance. The act of surrender provided for the withdrawal of the order from Malta. But the initial enthusiasm of the Maltese was replaced by indignation: the French invaders robbed churches and palaces, introduced new taxes. Already in September, the inhabitants raised an uprising, proclaimed a republic on the island of Gozo, laid siege to Valletta and turned to Sicily and British Admiral Nelson for help. After a long blockade, Nelson captured Malta in 1800. A British protectorate was established over the archipelago. Britain refused to return Malta to the order, citing a resolution by the elected representatives of the islands. Rejecting the calls of the Maltese for the establishment of representative government, she declared Malta a British colony in 1813. The constitutions of 1813, 1835, 1849, 1887, and 1903 consolidated its colonial status. All power belonged to the British governor. In 1835, under him, a council of 7 people was created, which included 2 Maltese representatives. In 1849, the election of a part of the council members was introduced, in 1887 the elected members received the majority of the seats on the council.

A British military garrison was located in Malta, which reached 10 thousand troops. The island served as the most important base for Great Britain. New military installations were built in the 1840s. Malta's strategic role increased even more during the Crimean War (1854–1856) and after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The island became the key to the sea route from Europe to India.

1919 saw the first major uprising of the Maltese against the colonial regime. It was suppressed, but contributed to the revitalization of social and political life. In the 1920s, political parties emerged - Labor, National and others. In 1921 the population was granted limited self-government. The governor and his council retained control over defense and foreign affairs. An elected legislature and senate exercised legislative and executive power in internal affairs. However, due to political crises, the British administration suspended the constitution in 1930 and 1933 and canceled it in 1936. Until 1947 Malta was ruled solely by the Governor.

During the Second World War, Malta withstood a long blockade by Italy and Germany. 14,000 bombs were dropped on the islands, killing at least 1,500 civilians and destroying 37,000 buildings. From June 1940 to July 1943, the archipelago was cut off from the outside world. In 1942, for heroism in defense, the King of Great Britain awarded Malta with the highest order - the Cross of St. George. Since then, his image has been featured on the Maltese flag.

In 1947, the British authorities restored constitutional self-government in Malta. In the elections to the Legislative Assembly, the Labor Party of Malta (LPM) won, and its leader Paul Boffa formed the country's government. But already in 1949, a split occurred in the party due to disagreements over British financial assistance. After leaving the LPM, Boffa created a new Labor Party, which entered into a bloc with the Nationalist Party (NPM). After early elections in 1950, a coalition government was created headed by the leader of the nationalists Enrico Mizzi, and after his death - Giorgio Borg Olivier. The ruling coalition also won the subsequent elections in 1951 and 1953.

The head of the government cabinet, the NPM put forward the slogan of full self-government in Malta, in which foreign policy and defense issues would be resolved jointly by the British and Maltese. During that period, the Labor Party, led by Dominic Mintoff, sought to gradually integrate Malta into the constitutional and socio-economic structure of the metropolis. In 1955, the Laborites won the general election, and D. Mintoff's government began negotiations with Great Britain on integration. The corresponding initiative was approved at a referendum in 1956. However, the British side refused to provide Malta with financial and economic assistance to the extent that the Mintoff government considered necessary for the implementation of integration. Having failed to achieve their plans, the Maltese Laborites demanded the immediate and complete independence of the country. In the course of the struggle, they resorted to methods of passive resistance, civil disobedience, to appeals to the UN, international organizations and great powers. In 1958, the Maltese held massive demonstrations for independence, the government demonstratively resigned, and a general strike began. Protesters attacked police stations, disabled communications, and erected barricades. The British governor declared a state of emergency, banned assemblies, and called in additional troops. Further negotiations failed, and in 1959 the British authorities suspended the constitution. In response, the Maltese launched a campaign of civil disobedience and strikes. In 1961 Great Britain was forced to grant internal self-government to Malta. The archipelago ceased to be a colony and turned into an autonomous state. However, the British Governor-General still had the final say in all matters. Elections to the House of Representatives were held in 1962. They brought victory to the NPM, which received the support of the Catholic Church and sought in the future the transformation of Malta into a British dominion, cooperating with NATO. The Laborites, who demanded a republic, were defeated. The new government of nationalists was formed by Borg Olivier. In 1963, a conference was held in London on the independence of Malta, and in May 1964 a constitution was approved by a referendum independent state... On the night of September 21, 1964 Malta became independent. The British queen remained at the head of state. The country found itself bound by a ten-year agreement About mutual defense and assistance with the former metropolis, British troops and bases were still stationed on its territory (in exchange for financial subsidies). Labor strongly criticized the conditions for granting independence. But in the 1966 elections, they were again defeated.

The Maltese state has established diplomatic relations with various countries (including the USSR in 1967). But in general, the NPM government was oriented in foreign policy towards Great Britain and the United States. In 1965 Malta signed a "special relationship" resolution with NATO. Agreements were reached with the United States on servicing American warships. Since 1967 the country has been negotiating cooperation with the EEC and in 1970 entered into an association agreement with the European Community.

The Maltese government was dissatisfied with the decision of the British government to reduce the presence of its troops on the islands, which left 6,500 Maltese unemployed. Thanks to the agreement with the UK, it was possible to slow down this process, reduce the number of layoffs and compensate for them with the creation of new jobs.

Malta's economic situation deteriorated after the closure of the Suez Canal in 1967. Fewer ships have entered the ports of the island, and budget revenues have decreased. The volume of ship repair works decreased, the trade deficit and the negative balance of payments grew. The Maltese government devalued the pound, nationalized dry docks and obtained additional financial support from the UK, but these measures could not stop the growing crisis. In 1969 Great Britain announced the suspension of aid under the 1964 financial agreements. The new conditions were less favorable for Malta. The government had to resort to loans and credits. Rising prices, unemployment and low wages sparked numerous protests and strikes.

Before the 1971 general elections, the opposition Labor Party was able to negotiate with the Catholic Church that the latter would not interfere in politics. LPM promised to ensure the economic independence of the country, develop national industry and agriculture, reduce public debt and expand social security. In foreign policy, Labor called for a revision of military agreements with Great Britain and agreements with the EEC, an increase in British financial compensation for the use of a military base, Malta's non-alignment and strengthening of ties with neighboring Libya. The Laborites were supported by the largest trade union - the General Workers' Union. Having won 28 out of 55 seats in the House of Representatives, the LPM formed a government in June 1971 headed by D. Mintoff.

Since coming to power, Labor has carried out a series of economic and political reforms. They limited government spending, established government control over imports and exports of currency, prices, began subsidizing basic food and industrial goods, created a dock administration, and took measures to weaken dependence on the British pound sterling. The state began to extensively intervene in the economy. Projects were developed to accelerate industrialization, enterprises were built with state participation, industrial zones were created, as well as state and mixed companies in such areas as sea and air transport, energy, communications and information, banking, oil exploration. Trade unions were allowed to operate the docks. The agreement on the presence of British troops was canceled and in 1972 revised on more favorable terms for Malta. Tourism developed. Measures were taken to reduce unemployment. In the social area, premiums on high prices, pensions and benefits, as well as allocations for housing were increased. The authorities have raised wages, introduced a 40-hour and five-day working week.

The economic activity of the state did not mean a refusal to develop private entrepreneurship - Maltese and foreign. The Labor government has provided tax and other benefits to foreign investors. Malta continued to receive foreign loans and credits.

By the mid-1970s, the government managed to stabilize and improve the economic situation. The standard of living in Malta was one of the highest in the Mediterranean. Although economic growth had slowed at the end of the decade, the country's situation remained satisfactory.

In 1974, the Labor government of Malta brought about a change in the country's constitution. A republic was proclaimed, the electoral qualification was reduced from 21 to 18 years, the scope of the church was somewhat limited, and civil marriages were introduced. In 1975 the LPM won the parliamentary elections again, collecting an absolute majority of votes.

On the foreign policy front, the Labor government severed "special" relations with NATO, expelled the bloc's naval commander and banned US warships from visiting. In 1979, British troops were finally withdrawn, and the base on which they were stationed was closed. In 1980-1981 Malta declared itself a neutral state. Relations developed with Libya, which provided Malta with significant financial assistance, and other countries in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean. Relations with the states of the Eastern Bloc and China improved. True, in 1980, relations with Libya deteriorated due to disagreements over borders on the continental shelf. Libya sent military ships to the conflict area, Malta filed a complaint with the UN Security Council. Subsequently, it was decided to transfer the issue to the International Court of Justice, and relations between the two states began to be restored.

In 1981, when the crisis began to affect the country's economy again and unemployment increased, the next parliamentary elections were held. The opposition NPM received an absolute majority of votes, but due to the peculiarities of the electoral system, 34 out of 65 seats in the House of Representatives went to Labor. The nationalists demanded a change in the rules and a new general election. They announced a temporary boycott of parliament, held a political strike, but did not succeed.

In 1983 broke out new wave riots when the government of Malta tried to get the Catholic Church to allow free schooling. It decided to confiscate three quarters of the church property, but the court overturned this decision as illegal. When parliament banned tuition fees in 1984, the church closed its schools. Further clashes ensued, and a compromise was reached in 1985: the church agreed to free secondary education in exchange for government subsidies for half of the school's costs.

In 1984, Mintoff was replaced as prime minister by Laborite Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici. He became famous for his work as a legal adviser for trade unions (since 1969), when he managed to prevent the adoption of a bill providing for imprisonment for participating in strikes. But already in 1987, the opposition NPM won the next parliamentary elections, which advocated Malta's accession to the EEC. The leader of the nationalists, lawyer Eduard Fenech Adami became the Prime Minister of the country. The 1992 elections brought him success again.

Malta in the late 20th early - 21st century

Under the NPM government, Malta has reoriented itself towards expanding ties with the West. In 1990 she applied to join the EU. In 1995 the country joined the NATO program Partnership for Peace while remaining a neutral state.

December 1992 was signed Joint Declaration of Friendship and Cooperation with Russia.

The state continued to finance an extensive system of social services - free education, health care, pensions, etc. But the economy underwent a restructuring in accordance with EU standards. In 1992, an economic development plan for 20 years was adopted, which provided for the transformation of the country into an international financial and trade center. There was economic growth, unemployment in the early 1990s did not exceed 3.5%. In 1995, the government introduced a 15% value added tax, which caused considerable discontent among the population.

In 1999, Malta's accession to the European Union was planned. However, this did not happen, as the NPM, despite the support of the church, was defeated in early parliamentary elections in October 1996. The LPM won, promising to turn Malta into a “Mediterranean Switzerland” and a free trade zone. New Labor Prime Minister Alfred Sant, former trade union leader, immediately announced the country's withdrawal from NATO Partnership for Peace, abolished value added tax and withdrew the country's request to join the EU.

LPM had a minimal majority in parliament (35 out of 69 seats), and in 1998 it lost it. In early elections in September, the opposition NPM was successful. With 51.8% of the vote, she won 35 of 65 seats in the House of Representatives. The government was again headed by E. Fenek Adami. It reaffirmed the request for EU membership and reinstated the value added tax, arguing for the need to adapt to the economic structure of Europe, from which Malta expects generous financial assistance. In April 2003, the NPM won the general election again.

In 2003, Malta held a referendum on accession to the European Union. Despite opposition from Labor and traditional lifestyles, the majority of the population approved of joining the European Union.

MALTA, Res-pub-li-ka Mal-ta is an island-goo-su-dar-st-in in South Euro-pe.

General information

Ras-po-lo-zhe-but in the central part of the Middle-di-earth-sea, on the Maltese ar-hi-pe-la-ge, 93 km from the Italian island Si-chi -liya and 230 km from the northern coast of Af-ri-ki (Tu-nis). The area is 316 km2. Population 413 thousand people (2010). One hundred-person-tsa - Val-let-that. The official languages ​​are Maltese and English. Monetary unity - ev-ro (since January 1, 2008). In the administrative relation of the territory of the territory of the country of raz-de-le-na to 68 ok-ru-gov (of which 54 - on the island of Malta, 14 - on the island of Go- tso).

Malta is a member of the UN (1964), CE (1965), IMF (1968), OSCE (1973), IBRD (1983), WTO (1995), EU (2004).

Political system

Malta is a unitary state. Kon-sti-tu-tion pri-nyat 21.9.1964. Form-ma right-le-niya - par-la-ment-res-pub-li-ka.

Head of State - pre-zi-dent. Pre-zi-dent of Malta na-zn-cha-is-sya re-zo-lu-chi-e Pa-la-you pre-sta-vi-te-lei for 5 years. Kan-di-dat should-wives be the citizen of Malta and ob-la-give from-bi-ra-tel-mi qua-li-fi-ka-mi, us- ta-nov-len-ny-mi Kon-sti-tu-chi-ei.

The highest organ-gan for-no-dative power is one-pa-lat-par-la-ment (Pa-la-ta pre-sta-vi-te-lei), from- bi-paradise-my in-se-le-ni-em for 5 years on the basis of pro-por-tsio-nal-no-th pred-sta-vi-tel-st-va. The number of places is odd (usually 65, after you choose 2008 - 69 de-pu-ta-tov); if the party, in a good way, doesn’t get a lot of it in par-la-men tav-la-yut-Xia to-half-nit. place.

Is-half-nit. power comes-over-le-zhit pre-zi-den-tu. He implements it both not-in-medium-st-ven-but, and through his subordinate persons. The rule of thumb (Ka-bi-no) is one hundred and one of the premier-mi-no-st-ra and min-no-st-ditch. Premier-mi-nister na-zn-cha-it-Xia pre-zi-den-tom from the number of de-pu-ta-tov Pa-la-you pre-sta-vi-te-lei (as pra-vi-lo, l-der par-la-ment-sko-bols-shin-st-va), min-no-st-ry na-zn-cha-yut-sya according to “so-ve-tu premier-mi-no-st-ra ". Ka-bi-no, there is a general leadership and control over the authorities of Malta and no vet-st-ven-ness for this before par-la-ment.

In Republic-pub-li-ke Malta, there is a lot of party-naya system-te-ma. Leading political parties - Lei-bo-ri-st-skaya party of Mal-ty, National-tsio-na-lyticheskaya party.

Nature

Relief.

Malta races-in-lo-ze-na on 2 large islands (Malta, 246 km2; Go-tso, 67 km2) and many small (Ko-min-no , 2.7 km2; Ko-mi-not-to, Fil-fla and others) islands. The length of the coastline of the island of Malta 136 km; southern and southwestern banks are steep and abrupt, with many gro-ta-mi, living you-mi cliff-sa-mi, northern and se-ve-ro-vos-accurate - more of-re-zan-ny, with convenient ha-va-nya-mi (for example, bay Mel-li-ha), low and flat. The top of the islands has a general slope from south-west-pa-da to se-ve-ro-east-tok. In rel-e-fe, pre-ob-la-da-yut za-kar-st-van-ny waves-ni-sty-th -s (height up to 253 m on the island of Malta -not), weakly-tied-up to-li-in-time-to-to-kov (so-called su-hi-mi rus-la-mi).

Geo-logistic structure and useful tools.

Islands Mal-tiy-sko-go ar-khi-pe-la-ga na-ho-dyat-sya in the northeastern parts of the Mal-tyi-sko-Pe-lag-skoi plate to -Kem-Bri-sky Af-ri-Kan-sky platform-form. The words are predominantly oli-go-tse-n-mi and myo-tse-n-mi almost go-ri-zon-tal-but for-le-go-u-mi iz-vest-nya-ka-mi (most-more-shi-ro-ko races-pro-countries-not-us glo-bi-ge-ri-no-vie iz-vest-nya-ki) and go -loo-by-mi gli-na-mi with pro-layers of phosphores and glau-ko-no-ta. Mes-ta-mi-vi-you four-ver-tich-nye con-ti-nen-tal-nye (eo-lo-vye, al-lu-vi-al-nye) from-lo-zenie ... There is a place for building stones.

Climate.

In Malta, the climate is medium-terrestrial-marine, with a soft rain-li-wow winter and hot-kim su-him summer. Average temperatures in February 12 ° C, August 26 ° C. Precipitation is about 550 mm per year; they are you-pa-da-yut in the form of in-ten-siv-not-pro-long showers, mainly from October to February. Ha-rak-ter-na you-so-kaya inter-go-to-vaya change-in-amount of precipitation amounts.

Inland waters.

Malta is-py-you-wa-et sharp de-fi-cit of water resources. Rus-la of temporary water-to-to-kov on-a-half-nya-is-Xia water for a very short-lived period, to hold on to howling water and pre-pill-rotation of erosion, built-but over 30 small dams. The discharge of the resources of underground waters, playing an important role in the water supply of the country, and their reduction -a-st-va following-st-vie of contamination-non-nit-ra-ta-mi and a-co-le-ny is one of the main ecological problems of Malta. About 60% annually, but consumed by my water, is consumed by the op-res-not of sea waters. Most of the consumed water is consumed by the com-mu-nal-but-that-water-supply and agricultural well- dy.

Soil, a growing and living world.

On the territory of Malta, the state-under-state is an-tro-in-gen-but-mo-di-fi-qi-ro-van-land-shaf-you, about 3/4 ter- ri-to-rii za-ni-ma-yut ur-ba-ni-zi-ro-van-nye lands and agricultural yards. In the soil in the blood, pre-ob-la-da-yut der-no-in-car-bo-nat-ny and red-colored brown soils you (ter-ra ross-sa). Shi-ro-co-develop-you-ant-tro-in-gen-but pre-ob-ra-zo-van-you soils (ag-ro-zё-we and ur-ba-no-zё- we). Es-te-st-ven-naya growth-ti-ness of representation-becoming-le-na second-rich-ny low-to-dre-ves-ny-mi and kus-tar-ni-ko- you-mi form-ma-tzia-mi ma-k-vis-sa (oli-va ev-ro-pei-skaya, fis-tash-ki, horn-to-voe de-re-in) and ga-ri -gi (tim-yan go-lov-cha-ty, eri-ka many-color-co-waya, mo-lo-teas, including en-de-mich-ny Mal-tee mo- lo-tea), as well as teaching-st-ka-mi su-hih evil-ko-vy-pei. Own-images of growing group-feasts of coastal from-west-nya-ko-ry-islands with an abundance of narrow en-de-mich-nyh species of color-ko-vy-te-ny. In the composition of the flora, there are about 1000 species of higher plants, including over 20 en-de-mi-kov. About 1/5 of the Maltese plants appear-la-yut-sya na-me-ren-no or occasionally in-tro-du-chi-ro-van-mi.

There are over 20 species of mammals (predominantly ru-winged and ki-to-like), 30 species of nests birds (including blue stone thrush), 18 species of pre-washing-up (Maltese wall lizard, eye-cha -th chal-tsid and others), 1 type of terrestrial-water (dis-koya-zych-naya la-gush-ka). On-terrestrial oh-ra-nyaye-nat-native ter-ri-to-ry (natural re-zer-va-you, or-ni-to-logical order -ni-ki and others) occupy 13% of the country's area (mainly along the southern and southwestern coasts of the island of Malta); the area of ​​the covered sea ak-va-to-rii is 11 km2 (2007). To the water-but-b-lot-pits-holes between-w-du-national knowledge from-ne-se-ny Ga-di-ra and Is-Si-ram. Most of the protected territories of Malta are included in the society-ev-ro-pei-skie eco-logical networks "Pri-ro-da-2000 "And" Izum-rud "(" Emerald ").

Additional literature:

Spiteri Staines E. Aspects of water prob-lems in the Maltese Islands // Groundwater economics. Amst .; Oxf. 1989;

Schem-bri P.-J. Malta's Natural heritage // Mal-ta culture and identity. Malta, 1994.

Population

The main supply of Malta is Maltese (96.5%, 2007), they also live in English-li-cha-ne (about 2%), av- st-ra-liy-tsy (about 1%), ital-yang-tsy (about 0.3%). The number of peasants has increased annually by an average of 0.6-0.7% (mid-2000s). The growth rate is so-beautiful (10.0 per 1000 inhabitants in 2008; 12.4 in 1995), the mortality rate is practically sta-bi-flax (co-ot-vet-st-ven-but 7.6 and 7.3). Po-ka-za-tel fer-til-no-sti 1.5 re-ben-ka for 1 woman-schi-well; the infant mortality rate is 3.7 per 1000 livestock-ro-w-days. In the age structure of the population, the share of children (up to 15 years old) is 15.7%, people work new age (15-64 years old) - 68.5%, persons over 65 years old - 15.8% (2010). The average life expectancy in May is higher than the average for the EU countries (men - 77.4 years, women - 82 , 1st yes). For 100 women, there are 99 men.

The average density of the population is very high (1307 people / km2; one of the highest in the world). About 91% of the population lives on the island of Mal-ta, where the most densely for-se-le-ny is a hundred-personal paradise-on Val-let-you and the coast -naya in-lo-sa to za-pa-du and vos-to-ku from not st-ro sti-ra-yut-Xia due to the expansion of-the-solution in-se-le-niy and the emergence-of-new-ve-nia of new ones on the earlier not-for-str-en -nyh ter-ri-to-ri-yah); the western and southern parts of the island are less dense. Urban population 95% (2010). The largest cities (thousand people, 2010): Bir-kir-ka-ra 20.7, Mos-ta 19.3, San-Pa-ul-il-Ba-khar 17.4, Kor-mi 15.7 (all - on the island of Malta).

There are 167.3 thousand people in eco-no-mi-ke, of which 72.8% are in the sphere of services, 17.4% are in industry, and in construction - 7.2%, in agriculture, forestry and fishing - 2.6% (2007). The level of unemployment is 6.1% (2010).

Religion

About 97% of the population of Malta is ka-to-li-ki, about 1% are representatives of pro-tes-tant de-no-mi-nations (eng-li-ka- no, me-to-di-st, pre-sv-te-ria-no, ad-ven-ti-st of the seventh day and others); the pri-ver-females of other conferences are few-numbered (2006, estimate).

Na-cha-lo ras-about-country-not-christi-an-st-va in Malta from-but-sit-Xia to the 1st century and is connected, as it is believed , with the activity of the apostle Paul, a ter-sing-she-go co-rab-le-crumbling off the coast of Malta on the way to Rome (De- Jan 27:27 - 28:10). By pre-donation, the first bishop of Malta was Saint Pub-lius, who received baptism from the Apostle Paul. The Day of Co-Rab-Les-Cruise and the Arrival of the Apostle Paul in Malta (February 10) is a national holiday in Malta.

According to the Constitution of 1964, ka-licism has the status of a state religion. At the beginning of the XXI century, the Roman-sko-ka-to-face church was represented by 1 mi-tro-in-li-she and 1 dio-tse-zome. Day-st-woo-yut 2 great-glorious parishes: 1 - in the juris-diction of the Kon-stan-ty-no-polish pra-in-glorious church , 1 - Russian pra-glorious church-vi (rev-ra-zo-van in 2003).

Is-t-r-th-sky sketch

Malta from ancient times to 1800.

Malta was-la-se-le-on about the 5th millennium BC. There were numerous me-ga-lithic cult-building structures (some of the oldest in Euro-pe), including in Mnaid -re and Tar-shi-not on the islands of Malta and Dzhgan-tiya on the island of Go-tso, dated about 3500 - about 2500 BC. Around 2000, the island of dez-lu-de-li, ve-ro-yat-no, in re-zul-ta-te epi-de-mi or eco-logical ka-ta-st-ro -ph. New a-selen-ts, who knew copper and bronze, came to Malta a few hundred years later from Si-tsi-lia and southern Italy. Not later than the VIII century BC, in Malta, fi-ni-kiy-tsy settled down, which-niv-shi-niv-shi-ny-se-le-tion. From the 6th century BC Malta was con-tro-li-ro-wa-las Kar-fa-ge-nom. In 218 BC, in the course of the 2nd Punic War (see in the article Punic Wars), the island was conquered by Rome-la-na-mi , in the wake of the st-vii under-verg-sya significant ro-ma-ni-zation. In the 2nd century AD, Malta was po-lu-chi-la sta-tus mu-ni-tsi-pia.

Na-cha-lo christi-ni-zation of Malta from-but-sit-Xia to the 1st century (consider that Malta was seized by apos-tol Pa-Vel), hri -sti-an-skie communities za-fik-si-ro-va-ny from the IV century. In the 5th-6th centuries, Malta, in-vi-di-mo-mu, served as a marine base of van da lov. In 533-535, she became a member of Vi-zan-ty, used-pol-zo-wa-las as a place of exile of the disgraced sa-no-niks. In 870, the Maltese ar-khi-pe-lag was for-how-van ara-ba-mi, a part of the chris-sti-an-sko na-se-le-niya you-ve-ze- to the territory of the modern Tu-ni-sa and Si-tsi-liyu. The city of Mdi-na (Me-di-na) became the hundred-person of Malta.

In 1091, the islands of Mal-ta and Go-tso were-praised by Count Rod-ge-r I Si-tsi-li-skim, in 1127 they were windows-cha-tel- but they went into the composition of Si-tsi-li-sko-ro-lion-st-va. The Muslim community of the islands was about-lo-same-but-cha-zhёly-mi-da-cha-mi, in the 1240s, na-sil-st-vein -no cross-but-but (from-ka-shie-sya take-mother christi-an-st-in you-are-are-slated to Southern Italy). In 1191, the co-role of Si-chi-lia Tan-cred (1190-1194) transferred Malta to flax to one of his ad-mi-ra-lov, ge-nu-ez -tsu Mar-ga-ri-to-di Brin-di-zi, by-lu-chiv-she-mu ti-tool of the Count of Malta. In the wake of the ko-ro-li Si-tsi-lii more than once returned Malta to the domain (window-cha-tel-but in 1350), then again yes-ri-whether-whether-bo pro-da-wa-whether his-im ad-mi-ra-lam or ba-ro-nam and this ti-tul, and those associated with it full-no-mo -chi and do-go-dy.

As part of the Si-tsi-li-ko-ro-lev-st-va Malta in 1194 under the rule of the Stau-fen, in 1266 - Kar-la I An-zhuy-sko , in 1283 - Ara-gon-dynasty. In the XIV-XV centuries in Malta there was up to a hundred and precisely strong Kalon influence. In 1398, the management of Malta pe-re-da-no mu-ni-tsi-pa-li-te-tu (uni-ver-si-tas) Mdi-ny, from-bi-rav-she- mu-sya me-st-ny pat-ri-tsia-tom, in the head with na-zn-chae-ko-ro-noy ka-pi-ta-n (ana-lo-gich-nyu to-no-miyu on-chil island Go-tso). Malta ex-port-ti-ro-va-la chlo-pok, cumin, honey, her li-te-li za-ni-ma-lis as well ry-bo-lov-st-vom and pi-rat- st-vom. Beginning from the 15th century Malta za-vi-se-la from po-st-wok grain, olive-co-in-go mas-la and v-na with Si-tsi-lii. In 1429, the Tu-nis Arabs were under-ver-ver-ni-yam, in 1488 and 1526 - Tu-rock. In 1492 from Malta there was a large Jewish population ...

In 1530, Emperor Charles V transferred the Maltese islands to the fief of Or-de-nu io-an-ni-tov (gos-pi-tal-e-rov). In 1551, the Turks seized the island of Go-tso and took almost all of his life into slavery. With the aim of pre-d-from-rotation-of-new to-pas-de-niy io-an-ni-you carry powerful uk-re-p-le-nia in rai-one Ve-li-koi Ga-va-ni. In 1565, Malta, led by the Great Ma-gi-str J.Pa-ri-zo de La Vallette (La Valette), you der-la-la 3-month-old wasp -du 40 thousandth Turkish army, several times pre-vos-ho-div-she-mal-tiy-tsev (the first major military non- ud-cha tou-rock in Sre-di-earth-no-sea-rye).

With io-an-ni-takh, Malta for the first time became the sa-mo-sta-tel go-su-dar-st-vom. Was-la-built-on and ok-ru-same-on powerful-mi uk-re-p-le-nia-mi new capital of Malta - Val-let-that, created yes, the re-gul-ny fleet and the state naval in-fra-structure-tu-ra, the system-te-ma to help the poor and sick; che-ka-no-las ka-che-st-ven-naya mo-not-that, there was in-ten-siv-noe urban construction. For-met-ny development of agriculture, co-slave-building. In 1592, the uni-zu-it-se-mi-na-riya was opened in Val-let-te (in 1769, on its basis, a uni-vers-si-tet was created) , in 1642 the book-pe-cha-ta-nie began. In the XVI-XVII centuries, the population of Malta grew 6 times (approximately up to 120 thousand people).

Management of the island-ro-va-mi is-sh-in-la-els ry-ts-ry-mi or-de-na, pro-is-ho-div-shi-mi from different ny Western European countries; Ital-Yang was recognized as the state language. Mal-tiy-tsy, most of the small rural households and aren-da-to-ry on the neighboring lands or lands of the ka-to-lyic Church (lich -naya for-vi-si-bridging disappeared by the end of the XIII century), ras-smat-ri-wa-were Io-an-ni-ta-mi as-st-ve you-sa- fishing or de-na. Not less than 10% of the population ar-khi-pe-la-ga with-become-la-whether ra-would, mainly come-over-le-zhav-shy or-de-nu (rowers on ha- le-rakh, workers at shipyards, in weapons and other masters, in construction-tel-st-ve, ob-serv-ga), but work-bo-tav -she are also in the homesteads and homes of private individuals.

In 1798, Malta was-la without a fight for-hwa-che-na Na-po-le-o-n Bo-na-par-tom (see Na-po-le-on I Bo-na-part). Part of the ry-tsa-rei or-de-na pri-nya-la-st-ro-nu fran-tsu-zov, the other, in the head with the Great ma-gi-st-rum F. von Gom-pe -shom, by-ki-well-la Malta. French authorities from-me-ni-whether feudal pri-vi-le-gii, for-pre-ti-slave-st-in, li-to-vi-di-ro-va-li in-que- ziz-tion. Ra-di-kal-nye pre-ob-ra-zo-va-nia, as well as evil-upot-reb-le-nia fran-tsu-zov, in part-st-no-sti vve-de- they have you-so-kih na-logs, you-a load of values ​​from churches, the closure of the university-si-te-ta, you-you-did-not-do- vol-st-in me-st-no-go na-se-le-niya. Fran-tsu-zy were from-gna-us with Go-tso and wasp-z-de-us in Val-let-te. The re-emerged addressed for help to the co-man-blowing British es-cad-roy G. Nel-so-nu. In September 1800, Val-let-that was-la-surrendered, over the ar-hi-pe-la-gom us-ta-nov-len British control.

Malta since 1800.

As-lo-vi-yam of Pa-rizh-sko-go-th-go-go-go-ra 1814 Malta was-la-recognized-on-lo-no-she Ve-li-ko -bri-ta-nii. She became the main British naval base in Sredi-zem-no-sea-rye, actively used-pol-zo-wa-las in ho-de-armed con- flicks, including the Greek na-tsio-nal-no-os-in-bo-di-tel-noy re-vo-lu-tion of 1821-1829, the Crimean war of 1853 -1856 and the 1st World War. The knowledge of Malta has been noticed since the opening of Su-etz-ko-go ka-na-la in 1869. By the beginning of the 20th century, up to 17 thousand soldiers were stationed in Malta, in its ports there were more than 80 military ships; a significant part of the population was-la-nya-ta in the military and civilian in-fra-structure-re.

In 1819, there was li-k-vi-di-ro-van or-gan of the local self-governing-le-niya (uni-ver-si-tas), the power of pe-re-da-na British goo-ber-na-to-ru. In 1829, a court of judges was introduced, in 1839 - freedom of the press. In 1835, the State Council was created from 7 national guber-na-to-rum mal-tiy-tsev. In 1849, ko-ro-le-va Vik-to-riya da-ro-va-la Malta cons-sti-tu-tion, in co-operation with a co-swarm of -with-a-row-dock of the complex-to-va-tion of the State Council (8 of the bi-paradise and 10 of the familiar members). In 1868, the Civil Code began to operate (the Codex Na-po-le-o-na lay in its foundation). According to the constitution of 1887, the State Council became, according to pre-imu-shch-vu, elected (14 out of 20 members). So-kept-nya-las op-re-de-len-naya dis-kri-mi-na-tion of mal-tiy-tsev with a-stu-n-ley for public service-bu, mal-tiy- the sky language did not have the status of the state language.

At the end of the 1st world war, the growth of op-positional attitudes began among the local-st-no-go , caused by, among other things, the number of working places, the growth of prices for basic products. On June 7, 1919, the British troops were thrown to the submission of street demons, after blo-ki-ro-va-whether ra-bo-tu of the State Council-ve-that. In 1921, Malta on-lu-chi-la samo-management, according to the new constitution, the official languages ​​were Italian-Yang and English -skiy (since 1934 - English and Maltese). Were the sfor-mi-ro-va-ny two-pa-lat-ny par-la-ment and the great-wit-tel-in the head with the premier-mi-ni-st-rum ... Gu-ber-na-tor co-kept significant half-but-mo-chiy, the right to grow-start par-la-ment-ta; external pol-li-ti-ka and about-ro-na were-ta-val in the ve-de-ny met-ro-po-lia. Were-were-no-va-ny the first political parties of Malta, including the Lei-bo-ri-st-skaya party of Malta (LPM; 1920 ) and the Nationalist Party (NP; 1926). In 1930 and 1933, in the conditions of the defense of the internal political struggle, Ve-li-ko-bri-ta-niya at the time of the -ta-nav-li-va-la dey-st-vie con-sti-tu-tion; in 1936, the management of Malta went to the British gober-na-to-ru, opi-rav-she-mu-Xia on the from-bi-paradise-governing co- vet.

State educational institution

higher professional education

"Perm State University"

Malta Economy

Student's essay

III course day department

Faculty of Economics

specialty "FKR" -5.6

Khudyakova I.Yu.

Supervisor:

Prodan Oksana Andreevna

Perm 2010

Introduction

What is behind this name - Malta? The Order of Malta, the mysterious knights - this is perhaps the little that everyone knows about her. Malta, which has written many of the brightest pages in the history of mankind, cannot be undeservedly ignored by the attention of business people and tourists!

The Republic of Malta is a state in Southern Europe, in the Maltese archipelago, in the central Mediterranean Sea. In the XIII century BC Malta was colonized by the Phoenicians, then by the Greeks. In the VI century BC - XIII century AD, it was alternately owned by the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantium, Arabs, Normans (who annexed it to Sicily), Spaniards. In 1530, Emperor Charles V granted Malta to the spiritual knightly order of the Johannites, which has since received the name of the Order of Malta. In 1798, Malta was captured by France, and in 1800 - by Great Britain, which turned it into its colony and naval base.

The Maltese gained state independence only in 1964, however, until 1979, an English military base remained on the country's territory and the English king or queen was still considered the head of state, the English governor-general remained in the country, English laws were in effect. On December 13, 1974, Malta was declared a republic headed by a president elected by a unicameral parliament; in 1981, it was proclaimed a neutral state pursuing a policy of non-alignment. As a former British colony, Malta is part of the Commonwealth.

Malta, together with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Cyprus, became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. From that moment on, all the economic activity of the state is oriented towards the EU countries.

Malta population

The population of Malta is 400,214 people (according to 2006 data), of which 94% live in cities. The island of Gozo is home to about 30 thousand people, the rest live on the island of Malta, not counting a few families living in Comino.

The population density is 1.255 / km². Malta has a very high population density. According to this indicator, Malta ranks 4th in the world. At the same time, Malta is the least populated state of the European Union (approximately 0.08% of the EU population). Population growth is approximately 0.8% per year. The ethnic composition is Maltese (95.7%), British (2.1%), others (2.2%). The Maltese belong to the Semitic peoples.

The most widespread religion is Catholicism (97.3%), giving way to it

Church of England (1.2%) and other religions (2.2%).

Main features of Malta's economy

The economic policy of the State of Malta is determined by the orientation towards the countries of the European Union . The current economic and social policy of Malta is characterized by a stable political and economic situation, low unemployment, and the absence of social upheavals. The population's standard of living is high. But the country's economy is dependent on the external economic situation, since Malta is deprived of minerals and industrial raw materials.

The Maltese land is not rich in mineral resources, even the Maltese themselves say: "We only have a lot of sea, sun and stone." The country's economy is based on taking advantage of the geographical position of Malta at the intersection of sea routes and on serving tourists who are attracted here by the warm sea, picturesque nature, as well as ancient monuments.

Malta has proven to be attractive to host new industrial sectors specializing in vehicle assembly, textiles, clothing, paper products and furniture, as well as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Many of the new businesses are located in the cities of Birkirkara, Qormi, Mosta and others in the Valletta metropolitan area. Their population has grown rapidly over the past 20 years.

Malta has provided investors with tax breaks and financing on favorable terms. Historically established industries - shipbuilding and ship repair - occupy an important place in the economy of Malta, with a qualified workforce.

In January 1995, by the decision of the IMF, Malta was transferred to the category of developed countries (GDP per capita - 17.7 thousand dollars). In 2004, the country's GDP (in terms of PPP) reached $ 7.5 billion, per capita - $ 19.28 thousand. Most of the GDP is created in the services and tourism sectors (74%).

The Government of Malta continues to support the development of knowledge-intensive industries, encouraging large investments in the automation of production processes.

Sectoral structure of Malta's economy

Industry

The shipbuilding and ship repair industry is mainly the state sector of the economy, which employs about 48 thousand people, i.e. almost 1/3 of the total number of people employed in the country. Fulfills orders for the repair and maintenance of foreign ships. A new industry is the electronics industry. The largest enterprise with more than 2.4 thousand employees. is owned by an Italian company that manufactures integrated circuits for computers. The company has invested 1.6 billion euros in the Malta economy.

Agriculture

Agriculture plays a minor role in the country's economy and is still carried out in traditional ways, most of the food products are imported. Due to the scarcity of soil and lack of moisture, residents cultivate only about half of the entire territory. Small-scale peasant farms are located in lowlands or on artificial slope terraces. The government provides active technical assistance to this sector of the economy, without which it would practically cease to exist. The area of ​​cultivated land has decreased primarily due to the alienation of the least productive lands.

The fields on most plots are cultivated very diligently, by hand. They take two or sometimes three harvests a year. The main crops are potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage and onions. They sow wheat, corn, barley. Two crops of potatoes are harvested, early potatoes are exported to Italy and France. They are very proud of the quality of the local potatoes. “Our potatoes even have a delicious skin,” they say in Malta.

Strong winds from the sea often damage plantations, which is why citrus fruits are usually grown in courtyards or in areas covered with stone walls. Not enough wheat is grown in Malta, so food and feed grains are imported.

Tourism

During the reign of the Knights of the Order of the Ioannites (1530-1798) and Great Britain (1800-1964), the standard of living of the Maltese in general was significantly higher than in neighboring countries. The increased attention to military facilities did not hinder the development of other sectors of the economy. These tendencies, however, were restrained due to the limited natural resources and the narrowness of the domestic market. After World War II, the conditions for a more diversified economy emerged in Malta. In 1957, the British began to dismantle their military base in Malta. Largely thanks to British economic assistance, Malta was able to adapt to the new conditions.

The active development of the tourism sector began in the middle of the 20th century, when the government of J. Borcia Olivier (1962-1971) encouraged local entrepreneurs to invest in the construction of hotels in Malta, while providing them with significant loans and exemption from taxes. The number of Maltese hotels, which were very few in number before, began to grow rapidly. The international hotel giants Hilton and Sheraton have built two first-class hotels.

Malta receives over 1.2 million tourists annually.
7% of all employed in the country's economy work in hotels, restaurants and cafes.
The annual income from tourism is 500 million euros.
The Maltese Mediterranean Conference Center and hotels of the highest categories are equipped with everything necessary for holding conferences, seminars, meetings. These sectors are brought to the Maltese treasury. about $ 12 million per year.

Foreign economic relations

Taking into account the limited domestic market, mainly the export orientation of the production sector, while simultaneously depending on the import supplies of mineral raw materials, machinery and equipment, as well as consumer goods, foreign economic relations are of key importance for the development of the country's economy.

Foreign economic relations are focused on the countries of the European Union, as well as on the United States. Export consists mainly of various equipment, in particular, electronics and textiles.

The main imports are engineering products, foodstuffs, energy and chemical products. Mechanical engineering products and transport equipment account for about half of the country's export revenues.
In 2004, the volume of exports amounted to 2.625 billion dollars, and imports - 3.407 billion dollars. with a continuing acute trade deficit (gold and foreign exchange reserves amount to $ 2.865 billion). The main trading partners are the EU countries, which account for 48% of exports and 57% of Malta's imports (primarily Italy (19.5%), France (14.8%), Great Britain (12.9%)).

Transport

Transport in Malta mainly meets domestic needs. There are no railways, but the network highways rather thick. There are more than 60 thousand cars in the country, of which over 40 thousand are cars and about 700 buses. There is a bus service between all cities; tickets are sold at ticket offices at stops. Car rental is possible.